Simple Living

     In my time away at school as a poor college student, I have learned so much about simple, frugal, and natural living. It was hard to adjust at first, but I quickly learned how much things do not make you happy. I decided that I would start a mini series with tutorials on how to make things, reviews of natural products, and tips on adapting a minimalist type lifestyle.
     In my eagerness and interest in adapting to a minimalist mentality, I began to research what it really meant to be a minimalist. (Sorry Pinterest followers, you were flooded my minimalism and natural pins) I found a vast variety of definitions but consistent definition that I absolutely fell in love with was this,

 

     Ok, how amazing is this? When I first thought about minimalism, I thought that it meant having barely anything and living from a suitcase. That is so wrong. For me, minimalism means only buying what you need and things that you a absolutely love. Whether it be a piece of clothing, a decoration, a book, anything. If it enhances your life in a meaningful way, it is worth buying. In our consumerist society, its easy to get caught up in what we have or don't have, and to want the best of everything for the sake of having it- not for how it affects our lives.  I personally think the problem is getting worse and it really is sad. Instead of buying things we love, we buy things other people love or things that will make others think higher of us. When I was able to recognize this in my own life, I was in shock of how many things I had bought that didn't enhance my life in any way. I lost a lot of my sentimental attachment to my things and was able to get rid of them without remorse or feeling bad about it.

 

     The other aspect of simple living that I would love to adapt (as money and time permit) is natural living. I've done a lot of research lately into some natural products and tutorials to make products, and I can honestly say that I am so impressed and excited to use them. I have been using Lush products for the last year or so and I have loved some of them. But do you know what I hate, hate, and hate about Lush? Their prices! They are awful! I used to use a moisturizer bar called full of grace that I quite enjoyed, but hated the price. The bar is pretty tiny and it costs roughly $16. Storing it is a battle because if melts so easily and even when you use it, so much wasted product melts into your hand. One of the main ingredients is shea butter which is an amazing natural moisturizer. And did I mention its way cheaper? (I'll write a post soon about how amazing shea butter is) There are so many awesome natural products that are great on their own or mixed with others to make homemade cleaners and cosmetics.

     Call me what you'd like (hippie, treehugger, etc.) but I am so excited to adapt this new style of living. Has anyone else adapted these ways? If so how did it go? Did/do you like it? Any tips?

 

*On a side note, has anyone tried African black soap? Its a great price on Amazon and it has awesome reviews about reducing spots and blemishes. I want to try it when I run out of my current face wash, but I'm wondering if anyone has tried this.*